The Kerala High Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition challenging the election of Jose K. Mani, who was the UDF candidate from the Kottayam Lok Sabha constituency. The petitioner alleged that Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in his two speeches during the election campaign of Mr. Jose K. Mani had assured the people that the project for the speed rail would be withdrawn. The promise amounted to gratification of voters and came under the definition of corrupt practice under Section 123(1) of the Representation of the People Act.
Justice B. Kemal Pasha observed that the pleadings on the alleged corrupt practice were vague. — Special Correspondent
